Zhiming Pan, China Sustainable Cities Project Director, presented China's experience advancing the Energy Service Company (ESCO) industry at the "International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency 2017 (INSPIRE-2017)". Held in Jaipur, India, INSPIRE 2017 aimed to highlight best practices in transformative policies, implementation, financing models and research initiatives from India and across the globe. The event was hosted by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, and the World Bank, along with several other groups. ESCO sector plays an important role in advancing energy efficiency worldwide. Exchanges between China and India in this sector help to upscale energy efficiency in the two countries, as they face similar challenges, such as financing problems.